It's time to write this review. I've been traveling since December 2016, and it's now April 2017. It's been so busy that I haven't had time to write anything. This is a trip that I really wanted to write about, but because so much time has passed, and I didn't keep any records of the trip, I've forgotten a lot of the details. But I'm determined to write about it, so I'm just going to write about what I remember. If I make any mistakes, I apologize in advance.

Let's get started. I'm not sure where to begin, so I'll just jump right in. I planned my trip about three months in advance. I was so excited that I read other people's reviews and planned everything myself, including the attractions, accommodations, and restaurants. There were so many options that I thought, "Wait, I'm only going for a few days?" Initially, I planned to visit Vang Vieng, Vientiane, and Luang Prabang, but that seemed too tiring. I wanted to relax and have fun with my friends, so we decided to stick to Vang Vieng and Vientiane. It wouldn't be too tiring to travel, but I really regret not going to Luang Prabang. Maybe I'll just fly directly to Luang Prabang next time. Anyway, let's finally start with the itinerary I planned. It's just a rough outline, and I don't remember everything exactly. Haha.

The journey began on the first day, which was actually a travel day. We booked a ticket with Nakhonchai Tour in advance to avoid any last-minute surprises. The bus departed at 9:50 PM and arrived at 5:00 AM the next day. We boarded at Mo Chit and disembarked at Udon Thani Bus Terminal. The Gold Class seat cost 454 baht.

Wait patiently and prepare to withdraw money in advance. Otherwise, you will be charged a fee of 55555 when you leave the province. We don't need to exchange tickets because we paid at 7-Eleven. We can use the receipt to board the bus. When it's almost time, walk to the bus stop and prepare to sleep. Zzzzz

We arrived around 5 am. As soon as we got off the bus, I asked my friend to buy tickets to Vang Vieng first. Don't forget that you need your passport to buy tickets. You can ask your friend to buy them for you, but you need to give them your passport. Oh, and don't forget to bring money! It's about 320 baht. You need to hurry because the tickets sell out quickly. But I went to the bathroom first. I don't know where my friend bought the tickets. After I went to the bathroom, washed my face, and brushed my teeth, I went to find something to eat because the bus wouldn't leave until 8:30 am. So I tried asking a motorbike taxi driver, but we had a lot of luggage. What should we do? Should we carry it on the motorbike? 55555 I asked my friend to go and see if there were any other vehicles. It turned out there was! It was a three-wheeled car. The driver was very nice. We asked him to take us to eat because we didn't know where was good. We had to ask a local. The driver didn't drive very far, but it was too far to walk. We found a shop that sells rice porridge, noodle soup, and fried eggs. We ordered everything. We made an appointment with the three-wheeled car driver to pick us up at 7:30 am, but I forgot to ask for his phone number. TT

Orders are coming in quickly, even though it's still early and not many people are around.

The three-wheeled vehicle has arrived. I thought I had forgotten it. :D

Upon our return to the ticket office for Vang Vieng, Vientiane, we waited to purchase tickets.

Waiting for the time...

When it was time, someone came to call us to get on the car.

Let's get in the car.

Don't forget your ticket. Oh, I forgot to tell you, we're taking the Thai train.

Get off at the bus station. Don't forget your passport. Then we have to take another bus and get off to buy a one-way ticket for about 5 baht (weekdays) or about 47 baht (weekends). Insert the card like entering the BTS in our country. Once we get in, we can buy a SIM card. Buy a SIM card with a net package because you won't be able to make calls there, only use the internet. We bought it for about 150 baht if I remember correctly, and you can use the internet for 7 days. Oh, don't forget to exchange Kip. You can exchange it before you go because Vang Vieng also accepts exchanges. You can actually use Thai baht, but they will give you change in Kip and won't round it down. So it's better to exchange it for use.

We have arrived! I fell asleep several times on the bus ride. Here is the bus schedule in case we need to continue to Vientiane. We can buy tickets on the day of travel. From here, there will be a shuttle bus to the city. I'm not sure if it's called a city, but it's an area where many people live. There are accommodations, restaurants, and amenities. After that, we walked to find the accommodation we had booked. We opened the map since we had internet access. The accommodation wasn't far away, just a short walk down an alley. And there it was!

Please contact the accommodation directly to confirm your reservation.

The beauty of Champasak Bungalow lives up to its reputation.

The path to the house requires crossing the river. The bridge is rickety, but safe.

The sound of footsteps descending the stairs, nearing home.

Our own house, a fan room. There is one fan, but the air is already cool. I'm sleeping comfortably. But if you're afraid of geckos, you'll have to face them. Like me, hahaha.

Let's go for a walk! Let's go buy a one-day trip. We need to buy it in advance. I recommend 'Namthip Tour', the service is very good, they take good care of us. When you go to buy, don't forget to bring your passport. And then agree on the pick-up time at your accommodation. ^^

VVME2: Vangvieng Music Festival 2. Upon arrival, I saw a sign for a concert and thought, "Why not give it a try?" It reminded me of concerts back home. Interestingly, the festival featured both Thai and Lao artists, with a large lineup.

We might have arrived too early. There aren't many people here yet. 55555

There were also balloons and a lot of dolls.

The atmosphere around the venue is electric with anticipation for the artist's set. Fans are eagerly awaiting the performance, and the excitement is palpable.

Peeping Som, which Thais call "Pip-ping-som," is a funny name, isn't it? But over there, they call it "Zin-daaaaa." There are a lot of restaurants there, but I really want to try this one. I've heard about it for a long time and I'm curious.

The price of a set is not too expensive, around 140-150 baht depending on the menu. And then it sold out very quickly. We were indifferent to the taste. To be honest, we came here with the mindset that the food might not be to our liking. This depends on the individual.

Cherry Blossom Bar

Note: The original text contains a repeated character ("r") which may be a typo or stylistic choice. In the translation, I have opted to remove the repetition for clarity.

Free drinks from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Come and join us!

Vang Vieng is a popular tourist destination in Laos, known for its stunning natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere. The town attracts a diverse range of visitors, including Koreans, Japanese, Chinese, and Westerners.

After a delicious Korean BBQ, we headed to the famous Sakura Bar. However, it wasn't quite our scene. It seemed more suited for a chill vibe. After a short while, we decided to call it a night and head back to our accommodation, as we had an exciting one-day trip planned for the next morning.

7:00 AM.

Waiting for friends.

Stepping out of the accommodation, you'll be greeted by vendors selling their wares, creating a mini marketplace.

Our breakfast was scheduled for 7 am, and our host arrived early to open the shop and wait for us. They were so kind! To reach the restaurant, you need to walk out of the alley where you're staying. It's located near the temple (I can't remember the name).

Is this a baguette? It's a French bread. The price depends on what's inside. This one is fully loaded and huge. It's enough for a whole meal. It costs around 60-80 baht, but it's really big.

The path to walk through the water cave.

Cave Exploration: A Thrilling Adventure

Before we descended into the cave, the water was incredibly cold. Be warned, you might experience a shock when you first submerge yourself! Remember to remove your shoes before entering, as they might fall off in the cave. Once you're in the water, follow the rope to navigate. Don't worry, the water in the cave isn't deep, and the experienced guides will assist you. However, it's crucial to be cautious and aware of your surroundings.

The cave is pitch black, illuminated only by headlamps worn by the guides, similar to those used for frog hunting. Be prepared for a strong odor, as the headlamps are shared among many people and haven't been properly dried. It's a common issue when equipment is shared, so try to bear with it.

Initially, I was terrified because I couldn't gauge the water's depth. It required some arm strength to pull myself along the rope to reach the end of the cave. The return journey was equally challenging. At one point, we encountered another group, and the problem arose that there was only one rope. The guide instructed us on how to paddle the inner tube using our hands. To move forward, we had to push the water backward, similar to rowing a boat but without oars. To turn left, we pushed the water on the right side, just like rowing. It was quite a struggle at first, and I even had to rely on my friends to pull me along at times.

Unfortunately, I didn't bring my camera, including my GoPro, so I entrusted it to the guide.

Our lunch after expending energy from rope climbing. 55555555

Let's go to Wat Tham Chang.

Inside the Tham Chor Cave Temple

On the way to the car to go kayaking.

Upon arrival, the staff will provide a comprehensive explanation of kayaking techniques, potential scenarios, and safety precautions. While the safety briefing is thorough, be prepared for intense sunlight. Sunscreen may not be sufficient, especially when wearing short sleeves and shorts. The kayaking route spans approximately 8 kilometers. While the initial prospect may seem relaxing, the intense sunlight can induce perspiration. The staff will guide you through critical points and identify suitable locations for photography.

Let's go!

While we are kayaking, there will be rocky outcrops. Be careful because we have seen many people get stuck on these rocks.

We caught up with our friends. Then, we had a 45-minute break before heading to the Blue Lagoon.

Riverside bar

The Blue Lagoon is very crowded, probably because we came in the evening.

The place was packed, and there were no seats available. I figured I had some time to kill, so I decided to climb up to Pu Kham Cave. But when I saw the stairs, I screamed! Could I still go back and sit down? But I also wanted to know if it was beautiful, so I thought, "What the heck, I'll just climb it."

The light shining into the cave was stunning, incredibly beautiful. However, as we walked further in, we realized we could go even deeper. Time was running short, and the interior was likely to be very dark. We had brought a flashlight, but decided it was best to head back.

Descending the steep path, I practically crawled due to my intense fear of heights. After reaching the bottom, we boarded a vehicle and returned to our accommodation to freshen up before venturing out for a meal. Exhausted from the day's activities, I lacked the energy to capture any photographs and solely focused on replenishing my energy with food.

Let's try bingsu at Coffe Prince. I can't remember the name of the menu, but the taste is, well, brace yourself. Some people might like it.

This morning, we decided to climb Pha Ngern. We had heard that the view from there was breathtaking, and we were eager to see it for ourselves. We arranged for a three-wheeled taxi to pick us up at our accommodation around 5:00 AM and again at 8:30 AM. When we saw the sign indicating the trailhead, we thought it would be a short walk. However, we soon realized that the path was steep and challenging. No matter how far we walked, it felt like we were barely making any progress.

Take a break if you need to.

I'm here! *panting heavily*

Stunningly beautiful.

I saw someone playing paramotor early this morning. They were very close. Oh my!

I encountered children while descending.

The scenery around Tham Luang Cave.

Orange Bridge

Food.

Oh my!

After visiting the Blue Lagoon at Tham Jang Cave, we returned to our accommodation for lunch and to pack our belongings in preparation for our onward journey to Vientiane. A van was scheduled to pick us up at our accommodation and take us to the bus station. Initially, we considered taking a minivan, but it was extremely crowded. As a result, we opted for a bus, which, while slower, offered greater comfort. To our dismay, the bus was delayed, causing considerable frustration among the passengers. However, there was nothing we could do but wait. Consequently, we arrived in Vientiane late in the evening. The bus driver proceeded cautiously due to the extremely rough road conditions. Despite our best efforts to sleep, the bumpy ride made it difficult to get a good night's rest.

Our accommodation for tonight is the New Lao Silk Hotel. It's fantastic! Very comfortable, just what we needed after a long day. The air conditioning, the soft beds, and the spacious bathrooms are all amazing. The breakfast isn't a buffet, but it's made to order, and you can have as much bread, water, and milk as you want.

The accommodation also offers three-wheeled vehicles.

The restaurant "Khop Jai Der" serves delicious food, even better than in Vang Vieng. Today, we're going to have a real feast!

It coincides with Christmas.

The ambiance of the restaurant

Restaurants near the accommodation

The walking street was almost closed when I arrived. I guess I came too late.

After that, I kept walking for a long time, so long that I don't even know how I ended up here. I think I ended up near a community mall (I can't remember the name anymore). I should head back now, I'm so tired. I'm exhausted from climbing the mountain and then taking the bus to Vientiane. I need to sleep!

This morning, our first stop was the Pha That Luang. We took a tuk-tuk from our accommodation to the temple, as we planned to walk to other places until we reached our hotel. Therefore, we chose the farthest place, which was the Pha That Luang, which is very beautiful.

The next stop is the Victory Monument. Take a break.

The interior is beautiful.

I'm hungry, I have to go now, Victory Monument. Bye-bye.

The Prime Minister's Office is also located nearby.

I finally arrived at the Pho Zab restaurant. It was quite a challenge to find it, and I almost got lost.

Spicy Pho Menu

The market was so far away, I was almost dead by the time I got there. The sun was scorching, and there was so much dust. I was really hoping to find some dried shrimp for my mom, but I couldn't find any.

Joma Cafe is renowned for its delicious food. It's a must-visit spot with two floors.

The body craves sweets.

It's time to head back to Bangkok to retrieve my belongings, which I left at the hotel lobby this morning.

Bus station ready to return to Udon Thani.

We arrived in Udon Thani around 7 pm, so we went to Central Udon Thani, which is very close to the bus terminal, to find something to eat. We walked for a short distance because our bus was scheduled to depart at 10 pm. It's time to sleep now. We're heading back to Bangkok. See you again on our next trip, but I don't know when that will be. If I have the chance, I'll write again.

I don't remember the exact price, but it was around this much.

- Roundtrip transportation cost to VangVieng Music Festival = 400 Baht (5 people)

• Peeping Som' = 1,040 Baht (5 people)

- One-day trip = 480 baht

- Silver Cliff toll fee = 60 baht

• Cave entrance fee = 40 baht

• Roundtrip transportation from Pha Ngern to Tham Chang (for 5 people) = 800 Baht.

• จำปาลาว บังกะโล 2 คืน = 3,200 บาท (2 หลัง)
• Champa Lao Bungalow 2 nights = 3,200 Baht (2 bungalows)

• The cost of a bus from Vang Vieng to Vientiane is 200 baht.

- Taxi fare to New Lao Silk Hotel = 400 Baht (5 people)

• Accommodation cost at New Lao Silk Hotel: 2,715 (2 rooms)

- Food expenses: 1,000 baht (5 people)

- Spicy Pho = 520 Baht (5 people)

- Bus fare from Vientiane to Udon Thani = 480 baht

Simple Techniques for Counting Kip

Note: This translation assumes the original text is in Thai and aims to provide a concise and clear explanation of simple techniques for counting Kip, the currency of Laos.

Remove the last three zeros and multiply by 4. For example, 500,000 kip = 500 x 4 = 2,000 baht.

Don't forget

• Please bring a face mask with you. It is essential due to the high levels of dust.

- Waterproof bag for one-day trips

- Sunscreen

- passport

• Sandals (for one-day trips)

- Sneakers (for climbing Silver Cliff)